Kenya: Kalasha Awards Celebrate Film-Makers' Achievements ¶
On a glamorous night at the Safari Park Hotel, the 11th Kalasha International Film and TV awards celebrated the achievements of outstanding film-makers in Kenya.
Notable faces in the industry, including Mumbi Maina, a Kenyan actress and Kalasha nominee, and Joann Yarrow, a television and film editor based in Los Angeles, attended the event.
Kenya Film Commission Chief Executive Timothy Owase officiated the event, praising the nominees for their individual and collective efforts in building a thriving arts scene.
"Our key mandate as a commission is to develop a vibrant local film and television industry, which in turn creates jobs and wealth in our country," Mr Owase said.
The winners were announced in 31 TV and film categories, with each receiving a trophy, a gift hamper, and Sh100,000.
House of Secrets, a feature film by USIU students, bagged three awards, including Best Feature by a Student, Best Sound Designer, and Best Director.
Michelle Donde, the film's director and scriptwriter, expressed her excitement upon accepting the awards.
"This was a school project. I wrote the script in a few days and never in my wildest imagination did I expect to win, let alone be nominated for a Kalasha award," she said.
Lucy Kibinge was honored with the Best Lifetime Achiever award for her notable works in the film industry.
"I thought that this award would come when I was at the tail end of my career, but it has come when things have just begun. I am honoured to receive this recognition," the Docubox founder said.
